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Bernard Neiweem Obituary
Bernard Neiweem was born in Winnetka, IL in January, 1925 to Joseph and Mary Neiweem (nee Balmas). He worked the farm fields of Winnetka as a boy, captained the New Trier football team and won a Golden Gloves boxing championship. In 1943 at age 18 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps quickly becoming a drill instructor at Camp Pendelton, California. As a member of the 5th Marine Division he landed with the first wave on Red Beach 1 at Iwo Jima and survived one of WWII's most horrific iconic battles. He also served in Nagasaki, Japan with the US occupation forces. Following the war, Bern returned to marry Margaret (Peggie) Beck in 1947, and to raise a family that would ultimately comprise three sons, Bernard Michael, John Joseph, and Mark William and two daughters, Jane Ann and Peggy Jean. He trained to be an engineer in heating and air conditioning and, after a career with Standard Oil of Indiana, went on to start and grow his own business, Standard Heating and Cooling of Chicago, IL. He pursued his professional activities until retirement at age 67. Bern lived most of his adult life in LaGrange Park, IL and knew, literally, the entire neighborhood personally. Neighbors young and old would visit Peggie and him daily, and their Friday cocktail hours were a regular event for years, often drawing up to a dozen neighbors and friends. He was a force of nature, loved by family and friends; his step-granddaughter, Laura Moran, summed up the opinions of all who knew him, ¿he was simply the nicest man I ever met¿. His wife Peggie, his two daughters and two of his three sons, survive him. He also leaves behind two brothers, Robert and Donald; three daughters-in-law, Deby, Sally and Annette; a son-in-law Craig; four grandchildren, Jessica, Eric, Christopher and Mark; and two step-grandchildren, Laura and Aaron and great-grandson Charlie. Visitation will be from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Sunday December 9th at Johnson Funeral Home 3845-47 Prairie Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513. A memorial service and internment with military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a date to be determined. Memorial gifts should be sent to Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center 9469 West 55th St., Countryside, IL 60525. Semper Fi, Dad.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Neiweem
Lester Dodson
November 27, 2013
I have said before and I will say it again, Bernard Neiweem is the Greatest Man and Marine that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I had that honor on the 60th anniversary of the Marine landing on Iwo Jima. Words can not properly express the impression that he made on me.
Susan Raguse
December 12, 2012
Bern was a wonderful man who lived a long, full life. Our children still remember sitting on Santa's lap at Bern's and Peggie's Christmas party, unaware that Mr. Neiweem had disappeared from the room right before Santa arrived. The Neiweems front door was always open to the neighborhood and the kids knew Mr. Neiweem kept a stash of candy for those that stopped by to say hello. Adults that hesitated when deciding between red or white, would find themselves holding a glass of each. Refills were mandatory and the conversation was delightful.
Thank you, Peggie, PJ, and all of the rest of the Neiweem family for sharing Bern with us. He was a remarkable person who will be missed by many. Love to all of you,
Susan, Doug, Benjamin, Abby, & Mason Raguse
Barb & Ernie Watts
December 10, 2012
To Peggie and the rest of the Neiweem family, many condolences on the loss of such an exceptional man. We live right across the street, and wish we had stopped in for "happy hour". Bernie invited us all the time. We were lucky enough to see his Iwo Jima memorabilia. My two favorite memories are of seeing Bernie, not knowing anyone was watching, salute the flag on his way inside the house. The second is how he never failed to asked after my dad, knowing that he too is a Marine. Rest in peace, Bernie. You will be missed.
Surabachi Memorial, Iwo Jima
Richard Nowak
December 10, 2012
I served with his grandson Chris in Iraq, and met Bernard at the 814th MP family day post-deployment. He was one hero among many of the Greatest Generation and it was my Honor to know him. Semper Fi my brother.
Christopher Neiweem
December 10, 2012
Grandpa Bern's legacy of courage,service, and friendship is on a size only comparable to ocean geography. His hand set an example for service and giving that was regularly accompanied by humor and laughter. People looking to impact the world in any meaningful way would benefit from knowing people like him. His family idolized him and rightfully so. A Hardened Marine on the outside and kind hearted man on the inside. He has many common sayings none of which are particularly better than the other but two of my favorites shall conclude my remarks here.
1. "Semper Fi mack, I got mine; how are you doing?"
2. "Keep a smile on your face, good thoughts on your mind,...and a song in your heart".
James McRae Phillip Domingue
December 9, 2012
John and Annette, Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Betty McMahon
December 7, 2012
After reading the obituary of your husband/father I decided to sign the guest book to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Although I didn't know him personally, anyone who fought in World War II is someone I would like to recognize. There were similarities in his Marine Corps history that compared to my own father. He too was at Camp Pendelton and was with the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima. My father, Pfc. James Michels, was one of the marines that raised the 1st flag on Iwo Jima. My dad came back from the war and married my mother Victoria (and had four daughters) and lived in Riverside, IL until his death in 1982. I wonder if they knew each other? Maybe they had a beer at one of the VFWs? :) I wish I had know him.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Semper fi, Betty McMahon
Jim Peterson
December 7, 2012
I'm sorry for Bern's passing, but I'm grateful to have known Bern. One of my favorite memories of Bern was when I invited him to be the lunch speaker at the Chicago Tax Club and tell us about his experiences at Iwo Jima.
He was the consummate old Marine, and gave us a great talk. He told us about the sights, sounds, and many "tough" things he saw. Bern actually witnessed the famous flag raising. It was the first time that I saw that low key organization give a standing ovation to a lunch speaker. He was just marvelous!
Thanks for your service, Bern. Semper fi!
Jim Peterson
Mabel Lanclos
December 6, 2012
Burn, was an exceptional man whom I had the opportunity to meet through his son John and John's wife Annette. I was blessed to be a guest in their home and he and Peggie always treated me like family. May God Bless his family through this difficult time. My love and prayers to Peggie and her family.
Carole Boudreaux
December 5, 2012
My life was truly blessed to have known such a kind, loving and caring man. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to have been touched by his loving heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his loving wife and family that he leaves behind to mourn such an incredible man. May he rest in peace.
December 5, 2012
May Gods merciful love and the love of family & friends sustain you through your sorrow.
C.Johnson, (Isa. 41:10)
Diana and Kenny Domingue
December 5, 2012
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Bob Neiweem
December 5, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Kathy (Paver) Ramirez
December 5, 2012
My deepest sympathies for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. Kathy, Felipe & Sergio
Caroline Kirkpatrick
December 5, 2012
So sorry to hear of Uncle Bern's passing. I remember that kind face in this picture at many a Christmas parties when I lived in the Chicago Area as a child. He was a wonderful man. Love to everyone in the family!
Patricia Green (Dunlap)
December 5, 2012
David and I are very sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to you and your family.
Katie Neiweem Anthony
December 5, 2012
Peace Uncle Bern. Love to you Aunt Peggie. Love, Katie & Caleb
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